Codex - A digital documentation system for archaeological excavations
The Codex (Cologne digital excavation) protocol is a fully digital documentation system for archaeological excavations. By using tablet computers, ohotogrammetry software and geoinformation systems it is possible to move the traditionally paper-based documentation into the digital world. This allows to relate drawings to attributes and metadata and therefore increase the on-site data input by orders of magnitude. Error rates are reduced, and the time-consuming post processing is sped up substantially.
Codex 2023
The current protocoll (edition 2023) uses a PostGIS database for data storage and handling. Agisoft Metashape processing is controlled by a python script to reduce processing time and error rates.
Changes in the Codex protocol 2023
- PostGIS Database
- Python-based processing handling of Agisoft Metashape
Codex 2022
The current protocoll (edition 2022) uses spatialite databases as a centralized data storage file format. Users are connecting to the centrally stored spatialite database and edit the data therein. The spatialite database can be accessed and manipulated simultaneously from different devices such as tablet computers. As a backdrop for drawing, orthophotos are created using Agisoft Metashape. By controlling the data output in the layouting environment of the GIS software, the workflow can be customized to suit the requirements of the exacavation. Also, the automated settings in the data output substantially reduce post-processing time.
Changes in the Codex protocol 2022
- Centralized data handling (spatialite database)
- Centralized SFM processing
- Photography for SFM by DSLR and wireless file transmission
- Expression-controlled data entry in the drawing environment
- Situation-controlled visibility settings of objects in the drawing environment
- Increased automatisation of the print export
- Reduced error rates